If you like reading Jonathan Coe, who else do you really love?

Christopher Brookmyre
Ian Rankin
Ian McEwan

Patrick Gale
Armistead Maupin
Iain Banks

If you've never tried Coe before, for god's sake don't start with Rain Before it Falls. Maybe it's just me, but I thought it was derivative, sentimental tosh. Reminded of Sebastian Faulks, whom I find deeply annoying (in a kind of, 'I'm a male author, but I think women are SOOO interesting and sympathetic' way - is it just me??). Weird, because I love everything else Coe's written.

Other books I've really liked recently - The Time Traveller's Wife, The Testament of Gideon Mack. Would also put in a big vote for Vikram Seth. And McEwan, anything except Saturday.

Oh and UnquietDad - I found Norwegian Wood terribly boring.
I probably would have never picked up another Murakami if I hadn't such a terrible memory for names and forgot who had written it.
Good job I did though because The Wind Up Bird Chronicles is one of my favourite books.

I remember reading 'What a Carve Up' on the beach really glad that I wasn't on the tube as it was making me laugh out loud so often.

I'm just reading JC's biography of BS Johnson. It doesn't make me want to read any of his books so far really, but it's still an interesting read (it's not funny though, maybe I should warn people).

Ooh good, about to take that on hols. Coe fans should read novels by David Nobbs (check out his website) - he created Reggie Perrin but is an underrated novelist and Coe is a big fan of his and always recommending him (they are friends). Start with: GOING GENTLY (unpromising title but really fab) or for straight comedy, Pratt a Manger.

Coe enthusiasts may wish to know (just in case you didn't already) that June's book of the month is going to be The Rain Before It Falls. No news yet on author chat but TillyBookClub says she'll keep us posted...

Michael Frayn, Julian Barnes, Justin Cartwright (probably spelt wrong). Pat Barker is superb, and I love Helen Dunmore but reading other posts I gather that she's not to everyone's taste! I like Murakai too, completely bowled over by Kafka.

Gah! 'suck a sentiment'????? What was I on at lunchtime?
such

oops- Murakami of course

erm no....UD
a) Murakai is my favourite author, and he can do no wrong

b) I would never phrase suck a sentiment so uncouthly

Also, why have I never heard of the dwarves book???

Pruners I think you would like Charlotte Mendelson. I haven't read When We Were Bad but The Daughters of Jerusalem is great.

other suggestions: justin cartwright, charlotte mendelson.

I have whinged elsewhere about how much I hated "Norwegian Wood". (Eachpeach, didn't you find his women frustrating ciphers who were only there for the unlikeable main character to shove his dick into occasionally?...)

I think David Lodge has had a bit of a sabbatical after that nasty Henry James coincidence a year or two ago (which reminds me, I still haven't actually read the Year of Henry James).

I think I still like Changing Places best. But it's close.

David Lodge! Forgotten about him. 'How Far Can You Go' is one of my favourite books.

To some extent 'What a Carve Up' reminded me of Tom Sharpe (with bells on) when I first read it .

Ah, now I got Lodcol immediately!

Have finally understood Polost|ere - was put off by where the break was

Don't like his stuff though, at least what little I've read- I can't stand when authours are in their own books! Martin Amis 'Money' springs to mind as being incredibly frustrating- just sod off- if people want to read about YOU they'll read a biography or autobiography. [grr]

My favourites are
Haruki Murakami
Doug Coupland
David Mitchell
Paul Hoeg
Daniel Pennac
Julian Barnes
Mantel

All other Louis de Bernieres than captain corelli...

House of Sleep definitely my favourite, but that may be partly because it was the first I ever read. Maybe I should go back to it and re-read.

I think he's giving a reading at work later this year, presumably in connection with paperback promo for the latest. Fingers crossed.

don't know if they're in any way similar but i do love coe (house of sleep is my fave by some way) and also esther freud (e.g. peerless flats) and tove jansson's adult books too. mark steele is the only author i can think of that makes me lol.

Fab thread for ideas, thanks!
Love Jonathan Coe, even liked his latest. Fave I think is The House of Sleep, but all so different.
As for other stuff I like, a lot of what is listed... Donna Tartt, Ian McEwan, Jonathan Frantzen, but also like Barbara Vine, Anne Tyler.
Just now reading Random Acts of Heroic Love which I'm thoroughly enjoying.

It took me a good three hours... but he has been mentioned elsewhere on this thread

Don't get Lodcol though....

No, no , no....I'm not getting it... spill!

Polostere . I was once buttonholed by someone who wanted me to explain some Lodcol lyrics...Perfect Skin?
I told you about spotting Les Nains de la Mort in a bookshop in Lille, Jonathan Coe is definitely accepte over in France
How Far Can You Go is my fave David Lodge

pruners - LOL at Polost | ere ! (An' eez wahf, See-ree Oostvette?)

I once met a French guy who was raving about a famous British band called "Les Bay-at-less". I couldn't for the life of me make out who he meant. Not until he looked shocked and said, "You not know? Poll Mac-arrrt-nay? Jonnnne Lenn-on?!"